Megan Mathew is a dedicated advocate and community member who has put her hand up to represent the people of Cowper.
A single parent with five children and three beautiful grandchildren, Megan has lived in various towns on the Mid North Coast for many years. Her diverse background includes experience in all levels of the hospitality industry, as well as qualifications in childcare, event management, horticulture and community services.
Megan’s journey into advocacy began when she became a legally prescribed medicinal cannabis patient in 2019 to treat CPTSD. Before this, she was reliant on a cocktail of pharmaceutical medications that left her unable to function. After exhausting all other treatment options, she found significant improvement in her condition with medicinal cannabis. This experience ignited her passion for reform particularly in ensuring fair access, affordability and national consistency in driving laws.
Megan knows there are many people in Cowper who could benefit from medicinal cannabis but are restricted by outdated laws and high costs. She is committed to pushing for federal reforms that bring Australia in line with global best practices.
Beyond medicinal cannabis, Megan is a strong advocate for ending cannabis prohibition at a federal level. She believes that regulating adult social use would free up police resources to focus on serious crime rather than victimless offences. She will fight for national drug law reform that prioritises harm reduction, civil liberties and economic opportunities.
Megan is also passionate about the potential of the hemp industry to transform both the environment and the economy. With the right federal support Australia could build a thriving hemp sector, creating sustainable jobs and reducing carbon emissions. The Mid North Coast is well suited for hemp production and Megan sees huge potential for value-added industries such as hemp based housing, textiles, food and bioplastics.
Housing affordability and homelessness are key issues Megan wants to address in Canberra. She will push for increased federal investment in social and affordable housing and advocate for policies that support renters and first-home buyers rather than just property investors.
Small businesses are the backbone of regional communities and Megan believes they deserve better support from the federal government. She will advocate for tax reform, fairer banking policies and investment in regional infrastructure to help businesses grow and succeed.
Access to healthcare in rural and regional areas is another major issue Megan is determined to improve. She supports increased Medicare funding, incentives to attract doctors to regional areas and expanded mental health services to ensure that no one is left behind.
Megan Mathew is standing as a candidate because she believes Cowper needs a strong voice in Canberra—someone who will fight for real change and put the needs of the community first.
Tihema Elliston, NSW Senate Candidate 3 with Megan at the
Port Macquarie By-election March 2025